GB2510408A

GB2510408A - An inflatable safety gauntlet device

Info

Publication number: GB2510408A
Application number: GB201301898A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Brookes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-02
Filing date: 2013-02-02
Publication date: 2014-08-06
Also published as: GB201301898D0

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided an avalanche safety device comprising a gauntlet and a wrist support. The gauntlet provides an expandable bag arranged in use to receive compressed gas. The wrist support 2 supports a container 11 arranged in use to dispense compressed gas. The wrist support may be a cuff which extends along the wrist and forearm, which is secured by straps 7. In use, the inflated bag aids the user staying near the surface in the event of an avalanche, mudslide or flood, and may also provide a source of air. Inflation of the device may be triggered by pulling a tab attached to a pin via a cord, the trigger may have a cover 8 to prevent unintended use. The bag is preferably located on the back of the hand part 3 of the gauntlet, in a pocket 1, and may have a release valve.

Description

AN AVALANCHE SAFETY DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an avalanche safety device particularly but not exclusively an airbag rescue device for use in the event of an avalanche.

Background

When snow accumulates in the mountains there is often risk of avalanches at some locations within a resort, village or town, for example on steep mountain faces. High risk areas of often closed to the public or may have restricted access but some areas will always be open.

Typically people may be skiing or snowboarding in these areas, therefore may be at risk of being caught in an avalanche, or in some instances the act itself may trigger an avalanche. Due to this potential risk many skiers or snowboarders carry specialist equipment, particularly when off piste, to aid survival should an avalanche occur, such as a collapsible èhovel, and a means of communication.

However such equipment does not typically protect a user during an avalanche and therefore such users may not even be able to use the equipment if the user is injured during the avalanche fall or if buried too deeply. Padded clothing is available to reduce the likelihood of injury to the user, however this does not typically lessen the risk of the user being buried.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: International patent application WO 2012 055 913 (BERCHTEN) discloses a portable airbag system for people, comprising a support intended to be worn by a user, and an airbag device comprising at least one inflatable bag having at least one central part (2a) designed to be disposed behind the head of a user after triggering. The airbag device is assembled in a cover or bag part forming a unit configured to be disposed entirely on the back of a user before deploying, the airbag device being fixed by means of a fixing device such as to be removable and separable from the support.

Canadian patent application CA 2 625325 (BECK) discloses an apparatus for use in surviving at least one of an avalanche and a mudslide comprising: a) a housing in the form of a back pack having a selectively inflatable member stored therein; b) means comprising shoulder and waist straps connected to said housing for securing said housing to a user; c) means connected to said selectively inflatable member for inflating said selectively inflatable member, wherein upon activation of said inflating means said selectively inflatable member is caused to inflate and be expelled from said housing forming a support for said user and stay on a surface of at least of avalanching snow and sliding mud; d) said inflating means comprising a compressed gas canister, a gas line connecting said canister with said selectively inflatable member, a gas line valve connected between said canister and said gas line, and means for actuating said valve, wherein upon actuation of said valve, said valve is caused to move from a first closed position to a second open position allowing gas from said canister to flow through said gas line and into said selectively inflatable member for inflation thereof; e) said actuating means comprising a pull cord extending from said waist strap through one of said shoulder straps to said valve, a D shaped ring positioned at the waist strap attached to an end of said pull cord, and a flap mounted on said waist strap covering said D shaped ring, whereby said user pulls said D shaped ring to deploy said inflatable member; f) said back pack having a first side on a back of a user and a second side facing outwardly, an aperture in said second side, a removable cover over said aperture, said inflatable member being expelled through said aperture causing said cover to be displaced, said back pack having a top side with a pressure gauge mounted in said top side for monitoring pressure within said source of compressed gas; g) a transmitter for emitting a signal including data representing a location of said user mounted in said back pack, said transmitter being connected to said inflating means and upon activation thereof causes said transmitter to emit said signal, said data including global positioning information to indicate a geographical location of said user, said transmitter being located on said top side of said back pack adjacent to said pressure gauge; and h) an intake valve located in said second side of said back pack adjacent said aperture for charging and discharging compressed air to and from said compressed gas canister through said gas line valve.

I

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there s provided an avalanche safety device comprising a gauntlet and a wrist support, wherein said gauntlet provides an expandable bag arranged in use to receive compressed gas, and said wrist support supports a container arranged in use to dispense compressed gas.

The device may also consequently be described as an airbag rescue device that comprises: a gauntlet with an integrated holster forming the wrist support for receiving a gas canister or other container capable of containing compressed gas or fluid, a bladder bag arranged in use to be attached to said gauntlet, and wherein the device includes a trigger for activating inflation of the bag with the gas. The bag also typically includes a means for controlled deflation. The gauntlet may be a gauntlet glove.

In this way the device may be inflated on demand by a user in order to provide a protective structure to limit injury to the user if or whilst falling and in particular whilst falling in an avalanche, flood or mudslide wherein the user may become buried and the device serves to reduce the likelihood of being buried. This is because inflation of the bag provides a larger volume associated with the user and therefore the user is more likely to remain closer to the surface when falling due to granular convection :" 25 theory, wherein larger objects are more likely to remain closer to, or rise to the surface when multiple items are shaken or vibrate such as when falling in an 0fl** * avalanche. ** * * *

Additionally if falling in fluids such as water buoyancy of the inflated bladder may also serve to keep the user closer to the surface, wherein the gas in the container is *.o. . * a lighter than the fluids.

Furthermore the device may enable a space with breathable air to be created wherein use of which may aid the user to survive longer until help arrives.

In preferred embodiments the gauntlet is adapted to be fitted to the user's hand without impairing ability to move the hand or fingers, wherein active parts of the gauntlet and device are dispersed about the device so as to remain free of interference with utility of the hand.

For example in some embodiments the gauntlet is fingerless so as to readily fit the user's hands or to fit over existing gioves whilst maintaining maximum dexterity for the user. Typically the gauntlet is formed from a durable, elasticated, waterproof material.

Ideally the gauntlet or support includes an extended cuff which is arranged in use to extend along the wrist and lower arms of the user so as to provide a suitable length for the holster and container to be positioned, said length appropriate to the forearm, and avoiding impairing user wrist or elbow movement. Therefore the holster may be of at least equal length to the container in order to provide adequate support.

Typically the cuff may be openable so as to be readily accepted onto the users arm and so as to be adjusted to fit the arm diameter or girth, for example so as to be able to accommodate cold weather clothing such as a coat. $

In some embodiments the cuff may include a wrist guard so as to protect wrists from pain or damage whilst skiing or snowboarding. Ideally the cuff may be closed in at least one place by an adjustable buckle, press-studs, clip or hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark). Preferably the cuff is closed in two distal places over the arm.

In some embodiments, the device may be adapted to fit or otherwise cooperate with a ski pole wherein the bag or container is arranged to be packed within the ski pole, so as to be protected until deployment, wherein the holster may be located coaxially to the ski pole either within, or adjacent to, the pole.

In preferred embodiments the holster is dimensioned to house the container or gas canièter. Preferably the container includes breathable gases so that if required the gas released into the bag may be used to support or ventilate users who are buried and may be oxygen deprived. Typically therefore the container may contain oxygen or an oxygen mix such as oxygen and carbon dioxide and the bag may provide a breathe valve.

Ideally the container may be partially or fully enclosed in fabric, padding, material or insulation so as to reduce risk of damage to the container in use and to protect the user from the container surface, which may become dangerously cold during activation making it liable to stick to the user, their clothing or equipment.

Preferably the holster may be formed with a cellular structured material such as neoprene foam, being resiliently deformable so as to protect the container.

Additionally the holster may include some rigid or semi rigid portions to shape the holster to accept the container and so as to limit the container form becoming crushed or dented, which may be dangerous due to housing of compressed gas.

In preferred embodiments the container is arranged in use to be directly connected to the bag and the trigger so that the bag may be inflated when the container is triggered at the trigger. Ideally the trigger comprises a threaded collar, a tab connected to a pin via a cord wherein when said cord is pulled the pin is engaged so as to pierce the container and release the compressed gas into the bag.

Typically the container is screwed into the collar so as to be aligned with but not to be touching the pin and allowing a rigid and appropriate connection. Pulling of the tab causes the pin to pierce the container so as to release the compressed gas into the bag.

Preferably the tab is shaped so as to be readily grasped by the user in an emergency situation for example being teardrop shaped, annular, and/or textured or resiliently deformable.

Ideally the tab is concealed under a removable flap so as to avoid erroneous activation but wherein the flap may be readily removed and the tab jerked in order to activate the trigger. Typically the flap may include adhesive or hook and loop portions such as Velcro (Trade Mark) so as to conceal the tab.

In some preferable embodiments the collar includes a Venturi valve. The Venturi valve serves to accelerate the flow of gas from the canister through the valve to the bag thus leading to rapid inflation of the bag and enabling surrounding air from the environment to also be drawn into the bag due to pressure differential.

In preferred embodiments the bag is arranged on the gauntlet back so as not to damage or restricted the users fingers; during, pre or post inflation. Ideally the bag is packed into a pocket on the back of the gauntlet so as to be stowed deflated ready for inflation in response to the trigger.

Typically the pocket is displaced by inflation of the bag wherein preferably the pocket may open due to pressure created by inflation of the bag. Advantageously the bag may be deflated post use and re-stowed for future use. For example the bag may be readily tested or serviced.

Alternatively the pocket may detach or connections such as stitching may break due to rapid inflation thereby releasing the bag.

Ideally the bag is substantially rectangular when inflated although in some embodiments the bag may for example be round, conical or square.

In this way the bag has sufficient volume and/or buoyancy to assist in keeping the user close to the surface when falling in an avalanche and may also provide the user with improved ability to control the direction of travel whilst falling due to the user being able to move their arms and therefore alter position of the airbag rescue device. Additionally the use of the airbag rescue device on each hand or ski pole may further enhance the ability of the user to control direction of their fall.

Additionally the bag contains a volume of breathable gas that may sustain the user for a period of time in order to prevent suffocation if buried.

In preferred embodiments the bag is secured to the gauntlet by more than one means of attachment so to limit detachment of the bag in use. Ideally the bag may firstly be connected to the back of the gauntlet by stitches or adhesive. Additionally the bag may include a second means of attachment wherein the bag includes a stirrup which passes around the gauntlet and sits in the user's palm in use thereby further preventing the bag from detaching form the device in use. It may be envisaged that the stirrup is also stitched or glued to the gauntlet and bag for optimal means of attachment. Said stirrup maybe displaced or discarded upon use of the bag. for example wherein it may act to contain and protect the bag before such use.

In preferred embodiments the bag includes a removable bung so as to allow controlled deflation through an opening, for example if the user is crushed by the bag and/or is they require breathable air due to being buried.

Typically the bung is arranged in use to face the user when inflated so as to readily reached by the user. Preferably the bung may be dimensioned so as to be readily removed for example by the user with cold hands or by the user's teeth it movement is restricted due to injury or being trapped.

Ideally the bung may be flat with no sharp edges so as not to cause injury to the user if the bung is pushed against the user whilst falling, for example hitting their face, but is raised so that it may be readily detected and removed.

In some further embodiments the bung may comprise a portion or strip of the bag, removed, displaced or discarded in use.

In some embodiments the opening may include a valve so as to be able to control the release of gas from the bag. Additionally the bag opening may support a breathing tube wherein that the user may breath in the contents of the bag on demand so as to preserve air supplies for as long as possible. Furthermore the breathing tube may be used to manually inflate the bag for example to test it for any -.. 25 leaks. *

* %**e * Ideally the device can be used in conjunction with/without ski gloves. ** * * * * * .*

Brief Description of Figures -<I. 0*

Figure 1 shows a view from above of an embodiment of the device; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a second side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 8 shows a view from below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured embodiment provides an avalanche flotation device designed to provide buoyancy, increased volume and protection in a dangerous avalanche situation. Twin flotation devices, when worn on each arm and activated! allow a user greater control over direction of travel, whilst also ensuring that the user stays near the surface for a greater chance of survival.

With reference to the figures: Trigger Cover 8 Fingerless sections for versatility 5, divided by central webbing 10 Durable elasticated weave gauntlet 1 to ensure close fit Elasticated wrist support 2 Strong Velcro (Trade Mark) straps for security 7 Bag anchor strap 9 C02 I 02 canister securing straps 6 Inflation canister 11 Resealable bag cover 1 containing C0210 75 litre bag (condensed, 700mm x 33mm x 33mm when expanded) Rubbergrip pad 12 Venturi trigger mechanism draws in double the canister's air capacity.

For use the user would attach the canister by screwing into the trigger and venturi mechanism, and secure using the 2 straps, pull away the trigger safety cover to reveal toggle, activate the trigger mechanism to activate the canister and venturi valve, releasing 75 litres into the inflatable flotation device.

This would be after having secured the device over hand and glove, using 2 durable wrist straps and so as to hold the device in front of the face and against the chest to protect against static objects. In order to access the air the user would pull away the rubber stopper by hand or using teeth.

Preferably the bag is dimensioned so as to be able to hold at least 75litres of air, typically being 700mmx33mmx3smm so as to be able to provide protection to the users head and torso whilst falling. In the event of a burial situation use of a system using two devices provides 150 Litres of breathable air dramatically increasing the survival time and therefore chance of extraction.

It may be envisaged that alternative sizing may be employed for different embodiments, for example for adults and children Of different sizes.

Typically the holster houses one gas canister of around 75g to 85g, although it may be envisaged that alternative containers of different volumes may be used dependant on conditions and/or the user.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.